“TATTON’S SECRET WILDLIFE” TWEETS

 

Not just for the birds…

Knutsford, Cheshire – As part of this year’s “Secret Stories” campaign, the rangers at Tatton Park will be tweeting weekly photos of the parkland’s “secret wildlife.”  Visitors to the 1,000 acre parkland are aware of the more visible residents such as the red and fallow deer, rabbits, and varied birdlife, but less aware of the nocturnal ones such as foxes, badgers, bats and small rodents.

Aside from the rangers’ photographic contributions, “trailcams” are in place in secured areas of the parkland’s periphery to capture both day and night-time wanderers.  Images captured should include field voles, which make their home in the long grass and provide food for the estate’s barn owls, as well as stoats and weasels.  Hiding in the meres are fish species, such as perch, pike and tench not to mention frogs, toads and newts in ponds dotted throughout the property.

Trees provide a home to many insects and rare invertebrates which have been recorded during recent surveys. The parkland management is in line with a stewardship scheme that provides strict guidelines for the benefit of wildlife and their habitats, such as leaving dead wood in situ in order to encourage diverse species.

Aside from being home to all three native British woodpeckers – the green, great spotted and lesser spotted – Tatton is also home to the colourful kingfisher and a stopover for migrating ospreys.  Visitors can spy on some of these birds and wildlife in our dedicated bird hide near Melchett Mere.

The hard work and passion of Tatton’s dedicated rangers can be seen in their management of the vast parkland.  Aside from their many responsibilities, Parkland Manager, Phil Lucas, notes:

“The conservation and enhancement of the park’s special habitats is particularly important work.  These habitats include two large meres and wetlands that are designated “Sites of Special Scientific Interest,”  extensive grasslands and nationally-recognised veteran trees and dead wood, all of which support a wealth of wildlife for all to enjoy.”

View captured images of “Tatton’s Secret Wildlife” as well as opening dates & times on www.tattonpark.org.uk.  Discover more at Tattonpark.org.uk/secretstories, #secretstories